The demise of Tootles (Kit Young) in Alien: Earth episode 6 is both avoidable and exasperating, yet it allows the show’s finest character to shine. This character is the alien sheep, a fluffy being that captivates the audience without uttering a single word.

What occurs with the sheep in episode 6?

The alien sheep is introduced in Alien: Earth episode 4, as a byproduct of another misguided Prodigy experiment aimed at testing a new, ghastly specimen: T. Ocellus, a creature resembling an octopus that can infiltrate eyeballs and seize control of other beings’ brains. Prodigy’s objective is to release T. Ocellus into the same enclosure as a sheep and observe the outcome when it burrows into the sheep’s skull.

“The wavy lines look completely different now,” remarks hybrid Tootles, examining the intelligence graph of the sheep post-octopus creature’s assault. “Those are gamma waves,” replies Kirsh (Timothy Olyphant). “Problem-solving, concentration. Notice how they’ve risen? This being is exceptionally intelligent.”

In episode 6, T. Ocellus displays its intelligence by employing its abilities to eliminate Tootles with a headbutt. The alien sheep bides its time, observing Tootles as he feeds the creatures. When Tootles stumbles upon the damaged feeding hatch for the fly aliens’ pen, T. Ocellus seizes its moment. As Tootles braces the cell door with his foot, T. Ocellus charges at the glass, causing Tootles to falter. Moments later, the alien flies strike.

This action appears meaningless initially, but it triggers a series of events. Tootles’ demise paves the way for the assault on Prodigy employee Arthur (David Rysdahl), resulting in utter turmoil within the lab. The final close-up of the alien sheep’s face implies it will exploit this mayhem.

Alien sheep 1, Prodigy 0.

What makes alien sheep so remarkable?

Outstanding acting isn’t solely about flamboyant performances. At times, it’s understated, and alien sheep excels in this domain. It maintains a persistent sense of menace with just a look, akin to a woolly Hannibal Lecter. The sheep even acknowledges the audience, breaking the fourth wall in the concluding shot, staring straight at the camera as Godsmack’s “Keep Away” plays. Pure cinema.

While we remain unaware of alien sheep’s ultimate scheme, we are certain of two things: it will entail violence, and we will be cheering for it.

Alien: Earth streams Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Hulu and FX.